The dedication of Mary
Ann Cofrin Hall on September 28, 2001 marked a landmark event in the
history of UW-Green Bay and the Cofrin Arboretum Center for Biodiversity.
For the first time, the Cofrin Arboretum, Richter Museum, and University
Herbarium have a central office for visitors, including a library of natural
history materials, a meeting room for workshops and outreach activities,
and offices for staff. The new building includes about 40% of the classrooms
on campus, featuring state-of-the-art instructional technology and an
innovative design for energy efficiency. The Richter Museum and Herbarium
are still moving into the new facilities, which will provide much-needed
space for preserving valuable scientific collections.

This picture was taken during a tour of the Arboretum
by Cofrin Family members who were in Green Bay for the dedication ceremonies.

The Austin E. Cofrin and John P. Cofrin Memorial Arboretum
was established at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay by gifts from
the family of John P. Cofrin in honor of John and his father, Austin Cofrin.
Subsequent gifts from this family and the family of Dr. David Cofrin,
John's brother, have established an endowment for stewardship of the Arboretum
and for an active research program for UW-Green Bay students.

In addition to the Arboretum and Center for Biodiversity,
the generosity of Dr. David and Mary Ann Cofrin and their children can
be found in many places. Their gifts have been instrumental in building
Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, the David A. Cofrin Library, the Weidner Center
for the Performing Arts and other landmarks that benefit thousands (and
probably millions) of lives.